Determining conditions of components removably coupled to personal protection equipment

ABSTRACT

Method and system are disclosed for determining conditions of components that are removably coupled to articles of personal protection equipment (PPE) by tracking the components against predetermined criteria.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 15/350,556, filedNov. 14, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 12/671924, filedFeb. 3, 2010, now granted and issuing on Nov. 15, 2016 under U.S. Pat.No. 9,492,690, which claims benefit of national stage filing under 35U.S.C. 371 of PCT/US2008/067473, filed Jun. 19, 2008, which claimsbenefit of provisional application No. 60/999,746, filed Aug. 31, 2007,the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in their entiretyherein.

BACKGROUND

Generally, this disclosure relates to methods and systems fordetermining the conditions of components, particularly the disclosurerelates to methods and systems for determining conditions of componentsremovably coupled to articles of personal protection equipment (PPE), bytracking their usage in a monitored working environment against apredetermined criterion, such as a change-out protocol.

Maintaining the safety and health of workers is a major concern acrossmany industries. Various rules and regulations have been developed toaid in addressing this concern, which provide sets of requirements toensure proper administration of personnel health and safety procedures.To help in maintaining worker safety and health, some individuals may berequired to don, wear, carry, or otherwise use a PPE article, if theindividuals enter or remain in work environments that have hazardous orpotentially hazardous conditions. Known types of PPE articles include,without limitation, respiratory protection equipment (RPE), e.g., fornormal condition use or emergency response, protective eyewear, such asvisors, goggles, filters or shields, protective headwear, such as hardhats, hoods or helmets, hearing protection, protective shoes, protectivegloves, other protective clothing, such as coveralls and aprons,protective articles, such as sensors, safety tools, detectors, globalpositioning devices, mining cap lamps and any other suitable gear.

For example, personnel in the nuclear industry may be required to wearradiation protective clothing and personal dosimeter devices. Lawenforcement personnel are sometimes required to wear protective vestsand helmets. There are numerous situations in the medical field in whichhealthcare workers must wear protective gowns, masks, face shields,gloves, etc. Workers in the food service industry are often required towear hair netting, gloves, masks, etc. For example, there are also manyindustrial manufacturing scenarios in which personnel are required towear protective or other specially designed articles in order to ensurea “clean” environment. For example, personnel in the micro-electronicsmanufacturing industry, biotech industry, laboratory/testing industry,are required to wear PPE articles not only to ensure their own safety,but to protect the equipment and devices which they assemble or performvarious procedures with. There are also many industrial manufacturingscenarios in which personnel working in mines, oil refineries, metalgrinding facilities, smelting facilities, industrial painting operationsor pharmaceutical factories may be required to wear respiratoryprotection equipment (RPE).

There are many different kinds of respirators (e.g., RPE) utilized toprevent or reduce inhalation of hazardous or toxic materials. These RPEarticles include, without limitation, components, for example,air-purifying filters, cartridge components, or canisters that removespecific air contaminants by passing ambient air through theirair-purifying element. Typical chemical respirators use replaceablefilter cartridge components that are coupled. Their proper use iscontingent upon the respirators including the cartridges/canisters beingreplaced before they fail or that the correct types of respirators areto be used. However, many traditional respirators that includereplaceable cartridges/canisters, typically, do not include anymechanism of indicating when their ability to remove contaminants fromthe air has been reduced. Therefore, to ensure their replacement beforethey fail or are otherwise in need of further processing, several U.S.guidelines require use of end of service life indicators. Presently, theavailability of end of service life indicators is rather limited.Alternatively, a commonly utilized change-out schedule for respiratorsis based upon the identity and concentration levels of compoundsexpected to be encountered within the workplace over a period of time.Typically, a change-out schedule is based on an initial determination ofaverage exposure and the corresponding duration of the component to thatexposure. This initial determination establishes a required time periodof service life. The user or an authorized person documents the firstday of usage and keeps track of the required time period for purpose ofdetermining when the component is not usable and needs to be disposed orotherwise processed. Clearly, the making and keeping of extensiverecords that contain all of the above-referenced information present asubstantial administrative task.

Moreover, facilities in which workers wear PPE articles are oftenrequired to keep detailed records regarding the PPE articles as well asthe individuals wearing the PPE articles. Some such records includeinformation regarding use of PPE articles, maintenance, and condition ofPPE articles, as well as training of the workers to use the PPEarticles. In addition, records of certain mandatory regulations andcompulsory audit histories must be kept. For example, in some cases, RPEarticles require maintenance to be carried out by properly trainedpersonnel at least every three months and after each use.

Despite the extensive records that are required to be collectedregarding PPE articles and their associated components, adherence tovarious predetermined criteria, including a change-out criterion, istypically the responsibility of the user. Thus, compliance with aparticular criterion may become an issue in work environments involvingrelatively large numbers of workers and/or respirators because of therelative difficulty in tracking worker habits and diligence. Clearly,workers are at a higher risk of exposure upon breakthrough of thecontaminants when schedules are not adhered to.

Thus, there is a need for electronic methods and systems that could makethe implementation of determining condition of components easier andmore efficient, particularly in regard to tracking of components thatare removably coupled to PPE articles.

SUMMARY

In one exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to amethod of determining a condition of a component coupled to an articleof personal protection equipment wherein the method comprises: providingat least one component removably coupled to an article of personalprotection equipment; providing at least one smart tag coupled to thecomponent or the personal protection equipment article; tracking usageof the component, wherein the tracking comprises retrieving data fromthe smart tag; and, determining a condition of the component based oncomparing tracked usage data of the component against at least onepredetermined criterion.

In another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to asystem of determining a condition of a component coupled to an articleof personal protection equipment. The system comprises: at least onearticle of personal protection equipment; at least one componentremovably coupled to the article of personal protection equipment; atleast one smart tag coupled to the component or the personal protectionequipment article; a system for retrieving data from the smart tag; adata processing system coupled to the data retrieving system; whereinthe data processing system includes a mechanism for determining acondition of the component based on comparing tracked usage data of thecomponent against at least one predetermined criterion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one exemplary component conditiondetermining system of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is block diagram of a computer system utilizable in the conditiondetermining system of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a filter cartridge component coupled to asmart tag.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a wearer passing a reader portal utilizedin an exemplary information retrieval system of the present disclosureand wearing an RPE article including a pair of tagged filter cartridgecomponents coupled thereto.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an RPE article including the pair offilter cartridge components tagged with smart tags and a portablereader.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of one exemplary embodiment of a process thatmay be performed according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure substantially reduces the drawbacks andshortcomings of the known approaches for determining the conditions ofcomponents that are removably coupled to PPE articles. The foregoing isachieved through a method and system that determines conditions of suchcomponents by using at least a smart tag coupled with the component orthe PPE article removably coupled to the component so as track usage ofthe component. Tracking is accomplished by retrieving data from thesmart tag and determining a condition of the component based oncomparing the tracked usage data of the component to at least onepredetermined criterion.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a component condition determiningsystem 100, according to one exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The component condition determining system 100 includes aninformation retrieval system 102 networked to a computer system 150. Thecomponent condition determining system 100 is utilized for implementinga process for determining a condition of one or more accessories orcomponents 110 a-n (collectively, 110). The components 110 are of thetype that are removably coupled to one or more articles, such asarticles of personal protection equipment (PPE) 120 a-n (collectively,120). The removably coupled components 110 and the PPE articles are tobe used in one or more working environments 125 (only one isillustrated). Exemplary working environments include, withoutlimitation, paint shops, petrochemical refineries, mines, smeltingfacilities, pharmaceutical factories, or the like. The term “coupled” asused in the present application means that a component is physically oroperatively coupled to a PPE article so that they can function together.

In an illustrated exemplary embodiment, the PPE article 120 is anarticle of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) 120, and the removablecoupled accessory or component 110 is a respirator filter cartridge 110.For example, the RPE article 120 may be a 7502 half face piecerespirator that is commercially available from 3M Company of St. Paul,Minn. The respirator filter cartridge component 110 may be a 6001 Seriesorganic vapor cartridge that is commercially available from 3M Companyof St. Paul, Minn. The present disclosure is not limited by theforegoing combination of removably coupled components and PPE articles,but envisions all suitable combinations.

Other known types of components 110 that may be tracked according to thepresent disclosure include, without limitation, a nose piece, a valvecover, a strap assembly, a face piece, a hood, a helmet, a motor, ahose, a filter of a welding helmet, a visor, power supply, a lightingmechanism, such as a mini-cap lamp, etc.

The components may be removably coupled to the PPE article through anyappropriate mechanical mechanism including, without limitation, snap-fitconnections, such as one that prevents improper connection; hook andloop mechanisms; repositionable adhesives; clips; slots; threadedscrew-in connections; bayonets; as well as other known and suitableapproaches.

Other known types of PPE articles 120 that may be coupled to thecomponents 110 include, without limitation, respiratory protectionequipment (RPE), e.g., for normal use or emergency response, protectiveeyewear, such as visors, goggles, filters or shields, protectiveheadwear, such as hard hats, hoods or helmets, hearing protection,protective shoes, protective gloves, other protective clothing, such ascoveralls and aprons, protective articles, such as sensors, safetytools, detectors, air or liquid sampling devices, global positioningdevices, mining cap lamps and any other suitable gear. Accordingly, anywide number of suitable combinations may be tracked according to thepresent disclosure.

The component condition determining system 100 essentially tracks usageof smart tags attached to either the removably coupled component usedwith PPE articles or the PPE article that is known to be coupled to thecomponent of interest, or both. In one exemplary embodiment, theinformation retrieval system 102 includes one or more smart tags 130 a-n(collectively, 130); one or more data acquiring devices 140 a-n(collectively, 140) that acquire data from the smart tags; and, one ormore sensors 145 a-n (collectively, 145) that, as will be described,sense for variables that are related to usage of the component beingtracked. Given the number of different kinds of smart tags, dataacquiring devices, and sensors that can be used, there exists a largenumber of combinations for the system 102 that can be constructeddepending on the type of components and PPE articles to be tracked.Accordingly, the exemplary information retrieval system 102 is but oneof many different and suitable types.

The present disclosure contemplates use of any suitable smart tag knownin the art. In one exemplary embodiment, the smart tag 130 may beattached to a component. In another exemplary embodiment, the smart tag130 may be attached to an article of PPE for use in determining thecondition of the removably coupled component.

Essentially, a smart tag is a data carrier that carries data accessibleby suitable methods, including, but not limited to, electronic, optical,or other wireless technology. Data on a smart tag may, typically, atleast, include tag identification information, such as an identificationnumber (e.g., serial number). In addition, the smart tag 130 may containother information relating to the article of PPE 120 or its component(s)110, such as the type of article and/or component(s) used; historicalinformation relating to the article and/or the component(s), informationabout the user (who used it, where it was used, under what condition itwas used, etc.), maintenance or other type of processing, informationabout who wrote information onto the smart tag; any requirementsrelating to the article, component(s) and/or their use, whether any suchrequirements have been satisfied, such as any certifications obtained,and any other useful information, such as component change-out history,or the working environment. Also, information regarding the user of thearticle of PPE may be on the smart tag 130; such as, medicalinformation, information relating to fit-testing, training, jobresponsibilities, seniority or experience, access privileges or anyother information.

Smart tags include passive and active types. Generally, passive tags donot include an internal power source and the data carried thereby may beencoded at manufacture. Data information may be acquired from a passivesmart tag, for example, by radio frequency, microwave, infrared, orother wireless modes; or by optical readers or other appropriateelectronic or optical technology. One type of passive smart tag is radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag, wherein a transponder carriesread-only data. Another type of passive smart tags may be rewritable.RFID technology is known and understood by those skilled in the art and,hence, only a brief description is included herein for facilitatingunderstanding of the present disclosure. Passive RFID type smart tagsare typically provided in the form of small labels or the like thatinclude a coiled, etched or stamped antenna, a capacitor, and asubstrate on which the components are mounted or embedded. For somemetallic smart tags, the metallic portion itself may serve as theantenna. The RFID type smart tag may be embedded in or attached to thecomponents 110 and/or PPE articles 120 by any suitable approach. Forexample, the smart tags may be joinable as by being adhered, fastened,sewn, friction fitted, mechanically clipped, welded (e.g.,ultrasonically) or molded, etc. onto or into the components, included asan integral component of the article or securely attached by anysuitable means.

Besides passive RFID smart tags, other passive smart tags may include,without limitation, optical kinds including barcode and opticalcharacter recognition systems; electromagnetic systems; andacoustomagnetic systems.

On the other hand, active smart tags tend to carry their own internalpower source as well as data, and an appropriate antenna for allowingexchanging of their data. The internal power supply may include amicro-battery, a thin film battery, or the like. Active smart tags maybe reprogrammable and may include, besides an antenna, a microchip toreceive and store additional information beyond the informationcontained in its fixed code. Active smart tags may exchange their datainformation with data acquiring and/or transmitting devices, such asincluding, without limitation, readers and/or writers, scanners, and/ordata receivers, such as wireless receivers. The exchange may beinitiated by the active smart tag itself once it finds a suitable ordesignated, reader, scanner, or receiver. The active smart tags maytransmit their data in response to triggering or interrogating signals,they may actively transmit their data independent of such signals. Forinstance, the active smart tags may continuously or periodicallytransmit data to appropriate readers and/or writers, scanners, orreceivers. As noted, some active smart tags include the capability toreceive and store additional information beyond that contained by itsencoded data. Other kinds of active smart tags may be configured to berewritable. For instance, an active RFID smart tag may be rewritable, asby an RFID reader/writer.

Other kinds of active smart tags include a real time location system(RTLS) smart tag. An RTLS active smart tag is an active tag having atransmitter and a receiver and it communicates with a network accordingto a particular protocol. RTLS systems can work to determine theposition of the smart tag in a 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional space. Forexample, a RTLS smart tag generally uses one or both of the followingwireless location-based methods for determining the position of a smarttag or the object the tag is attached to.

The first is a Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) method. In oneimplementation of this method, the smart tag will broadcast a signal tomultiple wireless receivers 140 at known locations. The time at whichthe signal is received by each receiver is measured, and a set ofequations can be used to determine the position of the smart tag.Examples of systems using this method are a global positioning system(GPS) or a system using low frequency radio transmitters that use thetime interval between radio signals (LORAN). Another example is anactive smart tag used in a WiFi system that determines how long a signaltakes to reach a receiver. Other companies that use this principle forRTLS systems are AeroScout Inc., Redwood City, Calif.; NanoTronTechnologies, GmbH, Berlin, Germany; WhereNet, Santa Clara, Calif.; and,MultiSpectral Solutions, Inc., Germantown, Md.

A RTLS may also use a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) method.This latter method requires tags or fixed transceivers to measure thereceived power (signal strength) of the incoming signals. Then, usingeither known variations of signal strength vs. distance fromtransmitters, or by measuring the signal strengths at various locationsand matching these measured strengths to the measured strengths,position can be determined. Other companies that provide commerciallyavailable products using the RTLS system include Wavetrend, Fairfax Va.,and PanGo Networks, Framingham, Mass.

One example of an active smart tag suitable for use in an RTLS system isan Ekahau™ smart tag, which communicates with wireless receivers in awireless local area network (WLAN) through IEEE 802.11b and 802.11gstandards. The Ekahau™ smart tag is commercially available from Ekahau,Inc., Reston Va. and may be used in the present exemplary embodiment.Other examples of suitable smart tags may be provided, and includethose, such as described, in U.S. Pat. No. 6.853,303, which isincorporated herein.

As noted, the data from the smart tag may be acquired by data acquiringdevices 140, such as readers 140, readers/writers 140, scanners 140, orreceivers, such as wireless receivers 140, as well as other suitabledevices. A reader or scanner may include an antenna for transmitting atrigger signal to a smart tag and receiving a return signal from the tagcontaining information. The data acquiring devices 140 may be placed inany one or more of the critical spots of the process including but notlimited to the area where the components 110 and/or PPE articles 120 arehanded out to the individual. In some exemplary embodiments, one or moredata acquiring devices 140, such as readers or scanners 140 arehand-held. For example, a receiver 140 may be a wireless node of awireless local area network (WLAN) that may provide internet accesspoint.

The readers 140 may be linked to a remote programmable electronic system150 through the network 160. The programmable electronic system 150includes functionalities that enable tracking usage of the componentsagainst at least a predetermined criterion, such as a in the exemplaryembodiment a change-out criterion. These predetermined criteria mayinclude, but are not limited, to circumstances regarding the componentsin terms of their servicing, repairing, cleaning, maintaining,decontaminating, or other processing. For example, change-out may occurif: the time weighted exposure level of the component in the workingenvironment exceeds a threshold value(s); the concentration level(s) ofparticular contaminants exceed threshold value(s); the presence ofunexpected contaminants in the working environment; persons withparticular profiles should not be exposed to various contaminants;particular kinds of PPE articles should not be used when certaincontaminants are present, or concentration and exposure thresholdsexceeded.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the reader 140 a may be stationed at theentrance of the work environment 125 and acquires relevant data of thewearer; component 110, and the PPE article 120, such as at the start ofthe workday or shift and at the end of the work day or shift. Thereaders may be in several other locations, such as where the componentsare removably coupled to the PPE article. This information is sent to adatabase of the computer system 150 for the purpose which will bedescribed. Alternatively or additionally, one or more readers 140 may belocated within the actual work environment 125 so as to provideopportunities for wearers obtaining readings in the work environment125. Alternatively or additionally, a portable reader 140 may beutilized (see FIG. 5), such as when the PPE 120 and the component 110are issued prior to entering the work environment. A typical portablereader 140 may have a display 132 and keypad 134 for data input and arewirelessly connected to the network 160. The portable reader 140 may beused when the tagged components or PPE article are in the workenvironment 125 or uncoupled to the PPE article 120 at the end of a workshift. The present disclosure does not place limitations on thelocations or timing of reading of the tagged components or PPE article.

Exemplary suitable sensors 145 of some exemplary embodiment may include,without limitation, measurement of the following analytes/parameters:electromagnetic radiation (such as thermal and visible), ionizingradiation, nuclear radiation, chemicals (such as liquids, solids,vapors, gases and mists/aerosols), biological analytes, particulates,noise, heat stress, motion, as well as others. The transducers may be ofthe electrical or optoelectronic type. The sensors 145 may be mobile orstationary in the work environment and connected, as for example, bywireless to the network. In a mobile mode, the sensors 145 may bedisposed on the PPE or on the component. The sensed information data isgenerally related to the usage of the component being tracked as will beexplained. The data, as noted, concentration levels, types ofcontaminants, presence or absence of contaminants, insufficient or nocurrent to run a circuit of the component, inadequate pressure for aSCBA, insufficient or no battery power, breakthrough of a chemicalthrough a filter, or inoperable safety mechanisms. The presentdisclosure is not limited by these examples since what is sensedencompasses all known factors that may relate to the condition of acomponent that is to be coupled to PPE articles.

The network 160 may include, without limitation, a local-area network(LAN), wide area network (WAN), the interne, or a wireless network, suchas a wireless local area network (WLAN). The programmable electronicsystem 150 may represent any type of computer system, programmable logicdevices, or the like. The computer system 150 may include servercomputers, client computers, PC-based servers, minicomputers, midrangecomputers, mainframe computers; or other suitable devices. In someexemplary embodiments, the computer system 150 may include portablecomputer systems including laptops, handheld computer systems. Inaddition, the system 100 may include one or more local computer systems170 located in the work environment 125. As such, workers may be able toobtain pertinent data, for example, a real-time assessment of thecondition of the component while in the work environment 125. The localcomputer system 170 typically includes portable computer systemsincluding laptops, handheld computer systems. The local computer system170 may also include other computer systems, such as, client computers,PC-based servers, minicomputers, midrange computers, mainframecomputers; or other suitable devices.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, there is depicted a server computersystem 150. It is depicted as comprising at least one systeminterconnect bus 180 to which various components are coupled andcommunicate with each other. Coupled to the system interconnect bus 180is at least a single processor unit 182, storage device 184, memory suchas random access memory (RAM) 186, read only memory (ROM) 188, arelational database management system (DBMS) 189, and input/output (I/O)ports 191. The relational database is a computer database managementsystem 189 controlling the storing, updating, and retrieving of data todatabase files for use in tracking usage of components against one ormore predetermined criteria. The database files contain all relevantinformation pertaining to the operational parameters of the readers.Furthermore, one or more output devices 192 such as a display, as wellas one or more user interface input devices 194, such as a keyboardand/or pointing device is respectively coupled to the I/O ports 191. Inknown fashion, the output and input devices 192 and 194; respectivelypermit wearer interaction with the computer system 150. The I/O port 191typically includes various controllers (not shown) for each input device194, such as a keyboard, mouse, joystick, and the like, as well as theoutput device 192, such as an Ethernet network adapter, infrared deviceand display (not shown). The processor 182 controls the input device 194which provides a user interface for allowing a wearer to accessinformation, such as usage history of components being tracked.

The processor unit 182 may be any suitable processor and sends andreceives instructions and data to and from each of the computer system'scomponents that are coupled to the system interconnect bus 180 toperform system operations based upon the requirements of the computersystem's operating system (OS) 196, and other specialized applicationprograms 198 a-198 n (collectively 198).

The ROM 188 typically controls basic hardware operations. The storagedevice 184 may be a permanent storage medium, such as a hard disk,CD-ROM, tape, or the like, which stores the operating system 196 and thespecialized applications programs 198. The RAM 186 is volatile memory.The contents of the RAM 186 may be retrieved from the storage device 184as required. Illustratively, the RAM 186 is shown with the operatingsystem 196 and application programs 198 concurrently stored therein. Theprogram code of the operating system 196 and/or application programs 198is sent to the RAM 186 for temporary storage and subsequent execution bythe processor 182. Additionally, the RAM 186 is capable of storing filesfrom the operating system 196, as well as files from one or moreapplication programs.

An information retrieval system application program(s) 198 a is onetypically utilized for controlling operations of the informationretrieval system 102 including the functionalities described herein withrespect to the smart tags 130, data acquiring devices 140, and sensors145. Provision is made for a suitable database management systemapplication 198 b to run the database 189 in a manner consistent withthe present disclosure. Also, provision is made for an establishpredetermined criteria application 198 c. This may, in some cases, be asoftware application provided by a manufacturer of the components or PPEarticle that are to be tracked. In some exemplary embodiments, thissoftware application may be used to establish conditions for properusage of the component or PPE article as determined by the rules andregulations established by the government, insurance company or otherentity interested in the results. The establish condition determiningapplication 198 c is updatable to establish a new or current criteriarelated to actual conditions of the component in the workingenvironment, as for example, by using the data acquired.

A report generating application 198 d is provided that may generatereports containing a variety of data in different reporting formatstailored for purposes including those described below. These reports maybe generated to allow workers, supervisors, health professionals toaccess the history and status of components and/or articles; theirmedical information, information relating to fit-testing, training, jobresponsibilities, seniority or experience, access privileges or anyother information, history of component servicing, maintenance,change-out, as well as other information.

The determining component condition application 198 n of the presentdisclosure enables determining the conditions of the tagged componentsfollowing retrieval of tag information against predetermined criteriaestablished by the establish predetermined criteria application 198 c.

Reference is made to FIG. 6 for illustrating one exemplary embodiment ofa tracking process 600 that may be implemented by the componentcondition determining system 100. The tracking process 600 enables thecondition of a component 110 that is tagged with a smart tag 130 to bedetermined based on comparing its tracked usage against at least apredetermined criterion which in the exemplary embodiment is achange-out condition of a filter cartridge 110 relative to a respirator(RPE) 120. Alternatively, the present disclosure also envisions that thePPE article 120, that is to be coupled to the component 110, may betagged with the smart tag towards the end of determining the conditionof the component. Such circumstances may arise if the component is noteasily tagged or cannot be tagged. The term “condition” as utilized inthe present application means the particular state of one or morefactors that affect the operational life or usefulness of one or morecomponent(s) utilized as accessories for PPE articles.

In a Sense Initial Condition block 610 of the tracking process 600,sensing is performed by one or more of the sensors 145. In thisembodiment, the type of component being tracked determines whichvariables in the working environment should be sensed and, therefore,which sensors to be used. Since filter cartridges are being tracked inthis exemplary embodiment, the sensor 145 is of the type that collectsdata bearing upon the component's condition. In particular,concentration levels of particular hazardous materials over a period oftime may be sensed. As will be explained, the concentration levelsassist in establishing a predetermined criterion regarding the conditionof the tagged component. The initial data collected may reflect low,average, and peak concentration levels of the particular hazardousmaterial(s).

While hazardous materials are being monitored in the exemplaryembodiment, the present disclosure envisions that there are no limits onthe variables that may be sensed and the relationship these variableshave in determining the condition of the component. For example,variable factors relating to other aspects of usage of a component mayinclude: charge of a battery, amps in a circuit, circulating airpressure of a filter and/or respirator. The tracking process allows thisdata to be forwarded to the database.

The tracking process 600 then proceeds to Retrieve Criteria block 620,whereat the establish a predetermined criteria application 198 cretrieves the appropriate criteria for the component being tracked. Ifthe exemplary component being monitored is a filter cartridge, thepertinent criterion (or criteria) that is relevant to the condition ofthe filter cartridge is selected. The set of criteria is stored inmemory. The set of criteria may be obtained from many different sourcesthat provide guidance on the proper usage of the component. The set ofcriteria may be downloaded, for example, from the interne. Typically,the manufacturer of the component may provide the set of criteriarelevant to the condition of the component. The set of criteria may bedeveloped by government, industry, the company operating the system 100,an insurance company, a standards body, and persons of interest, such asa safety officer, industrial hygienist, or the like. In one exemplaryembodiment, the set of criteria may relate to minimum or maximumexposure times that a filter cartridge or respirator may safely operate.Another example of a set of criteria relates to proper battery charge ofa component relative to acceptable limits of performance of thecomponent. Still another example of a set of criteria governs use ofwhen a filter cartridge component should be serviced, repaired, orotherwise treated is based on inadequate pressure exists in aself-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

Following the Retrieve Criteria, block 620, the tracking 600 proceeds toan Establish Predetermined Criteria block 630. In the block 630, theinitial data that may be sensed in the block 610 is processed in thedatabase by the establish predetermined criterion application 198 c. Asa result, a predetermined criterion for the component 110 may beestablished in the actual working environment. In such exemplaryembodiments, the predetermined criteria application(s) 198 c analyzesthe collected monitored data in terms of the set of criteria the rulesretrieved in the block 620 to determine the predetermined criterion thatwill determine the condition of the component during actual operation inthe working environment is satisfied. For example, based on the initialconcentration levels in work environment, then a maximum exposure timefor the filter cartridge may be determined. The predetermined criteriontakes into account what the exposure time should be for the filtercartridge in the work environment.

The tracking 600 may further include a Reporting block 640 that followsthe Establish Predetermined Criteria block 630 under the control of thereporting application 198 b. The Reporting block 640 is capable forgenerating a report relevant to a wide variety of subjects including,but not limited to, the condition of the component, the worker, the PPEarticle, the initial sensed data, the work environment, and otherpertinent information. Typically, the Reporting block 640 generates areport in a format acceptable by an entity requesting the report, forexample, the business entity using the system 100, or a governmentalagency, such as OSHA. While the Report block 640 follows EstablishPredetermined Criteria block 630, reports may be generated at any one ormore other points in the process. The reports may be generated by theworkers or other persons of interest or even in response to requests bythe government. The reports generated may be transmitted across theinternet as well. There is no time limit to generating the reports.

The tracking process 600 proceeds to a Retrieve Tag Information block650. In this embodiment, the system 102 retrieves or acquires the data,as noted above, from the smart tags 130 by the data acquiring devices140, such as a receiver 140, as well as the sensors 145. The smart tag130 of this embodiment may be an Ekahau™ type to provide locationinformation as well as the data of the smart tag. Other smart tags canbe provided. The receiver 140 may be located in any number of places,such as the entrance to a work environment 125. In particular,retrieving information from the smart tag 130 may provide data as towhen and where the wearer enters the working environment, exits theworking environment, or passes another location. Optionally, in order toidentify the wearer, the latter may present his/her badge to anappropriate data acquiring device 140. The smart tag 130 or the badgemay also include other data regarding the wearer, such as medical, fittest, job description, seniority, training, and other qualifications.The retrieved data is forwarded to the database 189 of the computersystem 150, and, if operational, the local computer system 170. The datamay include the identification of an article, date, and or timestamp, aswell as the location of the data acquiring device. The presentdisclosure envisions that the retrieving of tag information may occurmore than once and at any suitable number of different points in thetracking process.

The tracking process 600 then may proceed to the Sense In WorkEnvironment block 660. In the Sense In Work Environment block 660, thesensor 145 is operable for providing current sensed data, for example,regarding current concentration levels of benzene vapor, in the workenvironment 125. This data is forwarded to the database. The trackingprocess 600 then may proceed to the Update Criterion block 670. In theUpdate Criterion block 670, the data from the database from the sensor145 is acted upon by the establish predetermined criteria application198 c, where a new analysis is conducted to determine whether an updatepredetermined criterion is to be used. Such updating enhances theoverall advantages provided by the present disclosure. While the SenseIn Work Environment block 660 and the Update Criterion block 670 areillustrated, they need not be present used in the tracking process 600.In such a case, the process 600 may proceed to the Determine Conditionof Component block 680.

The tracking process 600 then may proceed to the Determine Condition ofComponent block 680. In the Determine Condition of Component block 680,the condition determining application 198 n determines if the conditionof the component satisfies the initial or updated criterion. Inparticular, in an exemplary embodiment, a determination is made as towhether a filter cartridge has an exposure time that exceeds therecommended exposure time of the component in the working environment asdetermined in the Establish Predetermined Criterion block 630. In theexemplary embodiment, in the Determine Condition of Component block 680,the filter cartridge has satisfied the change-out condition (i.e., Yes)if its actual exposure time does exceed the recommended exposure time,when compared to the recommended exposure time, indicated in theEstablish Predetermined Criteria block 630 or the Updated Criterionblock 670. Conversely, the change-out condition is not satisfied (i.e.,No) if the actual exposure time does not exceed recommended exposuretime as determined in the Establish Predetermined Criteria block 630 orthe Updated Criterion block 670. The determining may further includedetermining the extent-of-service life remaining for the component inthe one or more working environments.

The tracking process 600 may also include a Communicate block 685,whereat compliance or non-compliance is communicated, using any knowncommunication methodology, to appropriate persons, or reportingentities. Such a communication may be transmitted to the user, thedatabase, the user's supervisor, industrial hygienist or otherappropriate personnel. The process of this block may be occurring atother times. In one exemplary embodiment, such determinations may bemade as a message to display screen of the computer or to a personaldigital assistant (PDA). It will be appreciated that other suitablesoftware applications may be used to provide such communication. In oneexemplary embodiment, such communications may be made as a message todisplay screen of the computer or to a personal digital assistant (PDA).It will be appreciated other suitable software applications may be usedto provide such communication. In some exemplary embodiments, suchcommunications may include an alarm or audible signal to appropriatepersons including the user and/or supervisor.

The tracking process 600 also includes a Process Article block 690 thatmay follow the Communicate block 685. A wide variety of processes may beperformed to handle the article or component, such as cleaning,refurbishing, disposal, maintenance or the like of the article orcomponent. A wide variety of disposal methods are contemplated, forexample, being displaced in a bin, this will ensure that the componentwill not be used until some other steps are undertaken.

The tracking process 600 may then proceed to Verify Processing block695. In the Verify Processing block 695, a data acquiring device 140 maybe stationed adjacent to the processing area, such as a disposal bin,for acquiring relevant identification data from its smart tag 130 thatthe processing of article or component has been verified. Theverification data is transferred to the server's database for storage inthe internal memory and subsequent use. As a consequence, processing isduly recorded in the database.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are prophetic examples using the principles ofthe present disclosure.

Example 1

In this example, the system includes a respirator cartridge componenttagged with a passive smart tag, such as an RFID tag, a tag reader at a(portal) stationed at the entry of a work area (e.g. paint booth). Thedatabase stores information when the smart tags are read at the tagreader. Safety personnel/workers may access or use the information by acomputer system in the work environment that is configured to allowsafety personnel/workers to obtain a change-out determination or obtainother data while in the work environment.

Within an automotive paint shop, methyl ethyl ketone is identified as aprincipal organic vapor hazard. For respiratory protection, workers use6000 series half face piece respirators equipped with 60921 P100/OVcartridge components. Based on air sampling data, a time weightedaverage (TWA) concentration of 300 ppm MEK is sensed. Based onchange-out software calculations, an 8 hr. shift change-out schedule isput in place. A worker dons a respirator RPE with new filter cartridgecomponents at the beginning of the working day. The filter cartridgecomponents may be labeled with passive Smart tags (as shown in FIG. 3).At the time of issue of the filter cartridge components, the smart tagsmay be encoded with the identity of the wearer. On the way into thepaint booth, the worker passes through a tag reader as illustrated inFIG. 4. The smart tags are read and a time point is entered in anassociated database to mark the beginning of use. Throughout the workingday, additional time points may be entered for the specific tags whenthe individual passes through the portal.

At the end of the working day, the respirator is stored outside thepaint booth. The following day, the worker dons the same respirator andproceeds through the portal into the booth. The smart tags may be read,and the time data within the database are to be used to determine thatexposure time for the component has been exceeded and a change-outcondition is present. Any suitable user warning device, such as anaudible beep, notifies the wearer that the filter cartridge componentshave been used beyond baseline conditions. Such information is recordedand stored in the database, enabling review by the safety coordinator.

Example 2

In this example, the system comprises the following: respiratorcartridge components tagged with passive RFID smart tags; a portable tagreader utilized within a central respirator storage location; a databasewhich stores information when tags may be read; and a software interfacewhich allows safety personnel/workers to access the use or trackinginformation and history.

Within a petrochemical refinery, benzene vapor is identified before useof the smart tags as a contaminant. For respiratory protection, workersuse 6000 series half face piece respirators equipped with 60921 P100/OVcartridge components. The presence of benzene makes change-out after an8-hr. work shift a requirement. Respirators may be kept within a commonarea of the facility, and the supply person uses a portable tag reader(FIG. 5), with which he reads the smart tags before a worker takes therespirator to begin work. At the time of issue of the cartridgecomponents, the smart tags may be read and linked to the identity of thewearer, and an initial time point is entered in an associated databaseto mark the beginning of use. At the end of the workday, the respiratoris checked back in to the common storage/maintenance area. If thecartridge components have not been disposed of, an audible sound willcue the supply person and worker the following day when they are addedto the respirator and read again prior to reissue.

Example 3

A system, as in Example 1, is utilized to track filter cartridgecomponent change-out. In this instance, however, re-writable RFID smarttags on the component may be employed so that the time data may belogged on the smart tag rather than in a database, each time theindividual passes through the portal. A time interval greater than 8hours after the initial tag reading triggers an alert to the wearer thatcartridge components must be changed by the change-out conditionsdetermining mechanism.

Example 4

A system, such as in Example 2, is utilized to track cartridge componentchange-out. The cartridge components may be again read by a supplyperson prior to issue to the worker. In this instance, however, anadditional reader is placed on a common waste barrel where cartridgecomponents are disposed of. Each cartridge is read as it is placed intowaste so that disposal within a single work shift is ensured. Cartridgecomponents that remain in use beyond a single shift trigger anelectronic alert notice to the supply person, worker, safety personnel,and/or the industrial hygienist.

Example 5

In this example, the system comprises the following: respirator facepieces tagged with re-writable RFID smart tags; a portable tag readerutilized within a central respirator storage location; disposable 60921P100/OV cartridge components for protection against organic vapors. Inthis embodiment, the cartridge is tagged although it need not be.

Within a petrochemical refinery, benzene vapor is identified as acontaminant. For respiratory protection, workers use 6000 series halfface piece respirators equipped with 60921 P100/OV cartridge components.The presence of benzene makes change-out after an 8-hr. work shift arequirement. Respirators may be kept within a common area of thefacility, and the supply person uses a portable tag reader (FIG. 5),with which he/she programs the re-writable RFID tag on the respiratorface piece before the worker takes the respirator to begin work. Thesmart tag is programmed with the identity of the wearer, and an initialtime point/date to mark the beginning of use of fresh respiratorcartridge components. At the end of the workday, the respirator ischecked back in to the common storage/maintenance area. When theutilized cartridge components are disposed of and replaced with freshones, the smart tag is re-programmed to log the change-out and the newstart time point. If the cartridge components are not disposed of (andthe smart tag reprogrammed), a beep/visual from the reader will cue thesupply person and worker the following day when the smart tagged facepiece is read again prior to reissue.

Example 6

In this example, the information retrieval system 100 comprises thefollowing: respirator cartridge components tagged with passive RFIDsmart tags; a portable tag reader utilized within a central respiratorstorage location; a database which stores information when tags areread; a fixed wireless chemical sensors (PID sensors) that stream datato the database; a software interface which allows safetypersonnel/workers to access the use information and history.

Within an automotive paint shop, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) is identifiedas a principal organic vapor hazard. For respiratory protection, workersuse 6000 series half face piece respirators equipped with 60921 P100/OVcartridge components. A worker dons a respirator with new cartridgecomponents at the beginning of the working day. Both cartridgecomponents may be labeled with passive RFID smart tags (as shown in FIG.3). At the time of issue of the cartridge components, the smart tags maybe read, and the time of issue and identity of the wearer may be storedwithin the database.

During the workday, wireless chemical sensors placed throughout the shoprecord and stream concentration data on the MEK vapor to the samecentral database that maintains the smart tag information. The chemicalconcentration data may be utilized to update the change-out conditionsby calculating remaining service life and timing for change-out of therespirator cartridge components utilized by employees within thefacility.

At the end of the workday, the respirator is checked back in to thecommon storage/maintenance area. The smart tags on the cartridgecomponents are read, and if the duration of issue exceeds the calculatedservice life, a visual cue in the software interface will indicate theneed to change the cartridge components.

Example 7

The system of Example 6 is utilized to track cartridge components and tomonitor the environment so as to calculate cartridge service life. Inthis instance, however, the wireless chemical sensors are worn on theindividual workers, so that the chemical concentration data for aparticular individual may be utilized to allow the establish change-outconditions application to calculate that person's unique remainingcartridge service life. The passive RFID smart tags are employed asdescribed in Example 6 for tracking appropriate disposal and issue offresh cartridge components relative to the calculated individualchange-out schedule.

It will be appreciated that based on the above description, aspects ofthe disclosure include methods, systems, and computer program productsfor determining change-out conditions for component joinable toarticles, such as articles of personal protection equipment (PPE), bytracking their usage in monitored working environments againstpredetermined change-out criteria. Further aspects of the disclosureinclude methods, systems, and computer program products utilized forensuring worker safety, and providing for appropriate change-out ofcomponents. Still further aspects of the disclosure include methods,systems, and computer program products utilized for achieving theforegoing economically and expeditiously.

It will be appreciated that numerous and varied other arrangements maybe readily devised in accordance with these principles by those skilledin the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventionas claimed.

Although the methods and system of the present disclosure have beendescribed with referent to specific exemplary embodiments, those ofordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that changes andmodifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit andscope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of determining a condition of acomponent coupled to an article of personal protection equipment, themethod comprises: providing at least one component removably coupled toan article of personal protection equipment; providing a smart tagcoupled with the component or the article; tracking usage of thecomponent, said tracking comprising retrieving data from the smart tag;and, determining a condition of the component based on comparing trackeddata of the component against at least one predetermined criterion.